Rotary brush structure



April 16, 1963 D. M. VINCENT ETAL 3,085,274

ROTARY BRUSH STRUCTURE Filed May 20, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 5" yql @s 34 (41474 2B P05527 E'. Beam/N l5 RQLPH M. L12/WADE, IQ. n" 34 POBERT H. Bone ATTOQNEY 3,085,274 Patented Apr. 16, -63

lands, Mass.

Filed May 20, 1960, Ser. No. 36,538 13 Claims. (l. 11S- 183) This invention relates to improved rotary brushes of a type typically usable as a sweeping brush or broom in an industrial power sweeper.

A brush constructed in accordance with the invention includes a main frame structure which is adapted to be mounted for rotation `about a predetermined axis, and which carries at a number of circularly spaced locations a plurality of bristle units, which project radially outwardly for sweeping engagement with a floor surface, ground surface, or the like as the frame and bristles turn. Each of the bristle units includes a generally axially extending series of bristles, having their radially inner ends embedded within and retained tightly by a bristle holding strip or carrier member, which also extends and is elongated generally axially of the frame structure. The carrier strip and bristles are mounted detachably to the frame structure, so that they may be removed and replaced by new bristle units when the bristles become worn to an unusable condition.

A major object of the present invention is to provide a brush having the above discussed type of replaceable bristle units, and in which the bristle units, in addition to being removable for replacement, are also so mounted to the frame structure as to be shiftable radially relative thereto to any of a plurality of different positions. This type of adjustable mounting of the bristle units allows them to be shifted radially outwardly as the bristles wear, to compensate for that wear, and thus allows use of the same bristles over an extended period of time while maintaining the overall diameter of the brush within a predetermined desired range. The bristles may be substantially longer than in prior rotary brushes, with the bristle carrying strips initially being mounted fairly close to the axis of the frame structure, and then when the bristles in this original condition have worn to a predetermined extent the carrier strip and bristles may be shifted radially outwardly to the next successive position to thus return the overall brush assembly to its initial diameter. This shifting movement can be continued through any desired numb-er of steps.

One problem which arises when shiftable bristle units of this type are employed results from the fact that the progressive decrease in length of the bristles, as they wear and are shifted farther outwardly, tends to progressively increase the stiffness of the bristles, and to correspondingly alter the sweeping characteristics of the brush. With this in mind, a further object of the present invention is to provide a brush having yadjustable bristle units of the discussed type, but in which the bristles are so mounted and confined as to give to them the same effective stiffness characteristics regardless of whether the bristle carrier strip is in its innermost position, its outermost position, or any intermediate position. For this purpose, we utilize a structure having relatively narrow restricted passageways or slits through which the bristles extend outwardly, and which are especially designed to cause flexing of the bristles in use at the locations of these restricted slits, rather than at the carrier strips themselves. Because the bristles thus always flex at these restricted slits, the sweeping characteristics of the brush remain essentially constant for all adjusted positions of the bristle carrier strip.

lt is another object of the invention to so mount the bristle units as to allow their removal from the frame structure, and their radial shifting movement between different positions, with maximum facility. As will appear, the bristle units are removed from the frame by sliding movement axially out of a retaining guideway, which guideway may be formed in a holder unit which is mounted for radial shifting movement between the different adjusted positions of the bristle units.

Desirably, the bristle units are retained in their various adjusted positions by means of individual locking elements, preferably locking pins, which may be releasably retained in their active holding positions by means of a retaining member. This retaining or locking member may take the form of an end plate, which is rotatably shiftable between a first position in which the pins or the like are easily removable, and a second position in which the pins are positively held in their active positions.

The above and other features and objects of the present invention will be better understood from' the following detailed description of the typical embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. l is a view showing a rotary brush constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged end view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged section taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged end View taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1, with some of the parts broken away to show the interior structure of the brush;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary View similar to FIG. 4, but showing the end locking plate in its locking position, rather than in the released position of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary section taken on line 6 6 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary section taken on line 7---7 of FIG. 6, but showing the bristle assembly with the locking pin removed from its holding position.

Referring first to FIG.v l, we have shown at 10 a rotary brush which is adapted to be mounted by bearings represented at 11 for rotation about an axis 12, the brush 'typically being driven by a chain coacting with a sprocket wheel 13 attached to an end of the brush. The frame structure of the brush includes an elongated rigid central shaft 14 which is centered about and turns about axis 12, and which rigidly carries at its opposite ends two circular end plates 15 and 16 disposed transversely of axis 12 and centered thereabout. Axially outwardly of these end plates 15 and 16, shaft 14 may have two enlargements 17 which are suitably connected at 18 to journals 19 which are rotatably received within bearings 11. The various parts 14, 15, 16 and 17 may all be formed of a suitable rigid metal, such as steel, and may be welded or otherwise permanently secured together in the illustrated relation.

At a number of locations spaced circularly :about axis 12, the frame structure of the brush carries a series of axially extending bristle units 20, which are typically illustrated as extending directly axially, but which may if desired advance circularly to a certain extent in a helical manner as they advance axially. Each of these bristle units includes a carrier strip 21 which receives and tightly retains and positions the radially inner ends of a large number of associated bristles 22 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The carrier strip 21 desirably has the cross-sectional configuration represented in FIG. 6, that is, an essentially U-shaped cross-section with the two sides 23 of the U converging slightly as they advance radially outwardly to very tightly grip and positively hold the bristles at a restricted area 24. Inwardly beyond restriction 24, the bristles may be doubled back about a retaining wire 121. The two edges of the U-shaped member 21 are turned laterally at 26 to form two llanges disposed transversely of a radial plane 27 extending radially outwardly from and containing axis 12. As will appear, these flanges 26 are utilized for retaining the bristle unit against radial movement. The carrier strip 21 may be formed of a rigid metal, such as a strip of steel or in some cases a flexible material (eg. a iiexible resinous plastic material), shaped to the illustrated con'liguration, and having that same crosssection throughout the entire axial length of the strip (from end plate to end plate 16). Bristles 22 are held by strip 21 along the entire length of that strip, and project directly radially outwardly in essentially the plane 27 illustrated in FIG. 6.

Each of the bristle strips 21 is removably retained within and positioned by an axially elongated holder 23 (see FIGS. 3, 6 and 7), which holder extends axially substantially the entire distance between end plates 15 and 16 of the frame structure. This part 2S may be formed of rigid sheet metal having a uniform cross-section along its entire axial extent. That cross-section is illustrated best in FIG. 6, which indicates that the part 28 is of essentially U-shaped section, having two side walls 29 which are spaced apart slightly greater than the side walls of bristle carrier strip `21, to receive and confine the strip 21 between walls 29. Preferably, walls 29 are parallel, as shown. At the radially outer extremities of the two walls 29, the opposite edges of part 28 are deformed to provide two opposed axially extending grooves or recesses 30, into which the previously mentioned anges 26 of strip 21 project. Each of these grooves is shaped to form a pair of shoulders 31 and 32 extending essentially parallel to the ilanges 26 of part 21, and disposed transversely of the associated radial axis or plane 27, to engage one of the ilanges 26 in a manner effectively confining the flange against anything more than very slight movement radially of main axis 12. The radially outer shoulders 32 terminate at 33 in a fairly closely spaced relation leaving a gap just wide enough to pass the bristles 22 radially outwardly. Y

While the holder 28 very positively retains the carrier strip 21 and retained bristles against movement radially inwardly or radially outwardly relative to the holder, the strip and bristles are at the same time adapted to be very easily removed from the holder by sliding movement longitudinally of the parts 21 and 28, that is axially with respect to the main axis 12 of the brush. This will be apparent froma consideration of the cross-sectional view in FIG. 6, which makes it clear that part 28 forms a guideway into and out of which strip 21 is easily slidable. For reinforcing and strengthening the part 28, to assure its retention in the illustrated cross-sectional coniguration under all conditions of use, we may provide a series of channel shaped rigid metal backing elements 34 (FIGS. 6 and 7), which are shaped to exactly receive and reinforce part 28. 'Two of these elements 34 may be provided at the opposite ends of each holder 28, with additional elements 34 being at intermediate locations if desired, and with all of the elements 34 being rigidly welded or otherwise secured to holder 28 in xed positions relative thereto. Alternatively, the part 28 may itself be made strong enough to prevent its deformation.

-Within and having a curvature corresponding to the -radially inner return bend portion 36 of the associated holder 28, and suitably secured in xed position relative thereto as by welding or other attaching means. Coactlng with each of -these tubes 35, there is a retaining pin 37 (see FIG. 3), having a cylindrical shank 38 of an external diameter corresponding substantially to the internal diameter of the tubes 35, and having a somewhat enlarged head 39. This head 39 has a transverse ilat end surface 40. As will be apparent from FIG. 3, the pin retains holder 28 and the bristle unit at a desired adjusted position by extension of the pin .iirst inwardly through an aperture 41, 41a, 41h or 41C in one of the end plates 15 or 16, and then into one of the tubes 35 of the holder 28. Aperatures 41, 41a, 41b and 41C are of a diameter corresponding substantially to the external diameter of shank 33 of pin 37, so that the shank is a fairly close iit within aperture 41 and tube 35 in a manner effectively retaining holder 23 and the carried bristle unit against movement relative to the frame of the brush. Both ends of each holder 28 are retained in this manner, by two of the pins 37.

In order to shift one of the holders 23 and carried bristles radially, for the purposes previously discussed, it is only necessary to remove the `two retaining pins 37 axially out of the tubes 35, to thus free holder 28 for shifting movement inwardly or outwardly to a location opposite another pair of the apertures 41, 41a, 41b or 41C. The pins are then reinserted through these dilerent apertures into tube 35, to lock the part 28 and carried elements in the desired radially `shifted position. Any desired number of the apertures 41, etc. may be provided for each of the holders 28, the preferred number being four for most of the installations, as shown. The four apertures for each of the individual holders may be in direct alignment radially of the main axis 12 of the brush, and the different series of apertures for use with diierent ones of the holders 28 and different brush assemblies should be evenly circularly spaced about axis 12. As will be apparent, the apertures 41, etc. in one of the end plates 15 should be aligned axially with the corresponding apertures in the other plate 16.

The peripheral edges 42 of the two end plates 15 and 16 may be circular except at a series of circularly spaced locations where peripheral notches 43 are formed in plates 15 and 16. These notches extend radially inwardly into the material of plates 15 and 16 to an extent suilicient to allow axial sliding movement of the dilerent carrier strips 21 and attached bristles axially out of the guideways formed by parts 28 when those parts 28 are in their radially outermost positions illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. These outer positions are of course the positions in which elements 23 are retained when pins 37 are received within the outer apertures 41 of the end plates. In any other vpositions of the bristle units and holders, end plates 15 and 16 positively retain the carrier strips 21 against movement axially out of the guideways formed by parts 23. Thus, the carrier strips and bristles can be removed axially from holders 28 and through notches 43 in the end plates only when the bristles are in their outermost positions.

Circularly between the diterent peripheral notches 43 in end plates 15 and 16, there are attached to the end plates a series of circularly spaced rigid bristle locating metal strips 44, reinforced by angle irons 45. Elements 44 and 45 are elongated axially of the brush to extend the entire distance from one end plate *15 to the other end plate 16, and are rigidly welded or otherwise secured at their opposite ends to the end plates. Parts 44 and 45 may be of uniform cross-section along their entire length. The proximate edges 46 of each pair of successive elements 44 form between these elements an axially elongated narrow restricted gap (see FIG. 4), which is radially aligned with the plane k27 of the bristles, and which is just wide enough to elfectively pass those bristles. This gap at `46 is considerably narrower than either the holder 23 or thebristle carrier strip 21, and acts to require -exure or bending of the bristles at the location of the gap 46 regardless of whether the carrier strip 21 and part 28 are in their outermost position as illustrated, or are in one of the radially inner positions, for example the innermost position represented in broken lines in FIG. 3. Since the gap 46 does not allow substantial lateral movement of thevbris'tles within the gap, the bristles can not flex or swing about the carrier strip or holder 28, but must bend primarily at the gap location. Thus, the outwardly projecting sweeping portions of the bristles have the same stiffness characteristics in all of the dierent settings of the inner carrier strips 21 and holders 28.

The pins `37 at the opposite ends of the brush assembly are releasably locked in their active holding positions by means of a pair of transverse locking plates 47. These plates are essentially annular, and extend directly transversely of main axis 12 except at the locations of two radially spaced annular grooves 4S and 49. At the locations of these two grooves 48 and 49, the material of each plate 47 is received in direct annularly abutting engagement with end wall `15 or 16 of the frame structure, while the rest of the plate 47 is spaced from that end wall. Within each groove 48 or 49, the material of plate 47 contains a plurality of, typically three, evenly circularly spaced elongated slots 50, which extend approximately arcuately about main axis 12, and through which the threaded shanks of a number of bolts 51 extend. The Shanks of these bolts connect into threaded bores formed in the end walls 15 and 16 of the frame structure, so that the plates 47 may be tightly retained in fixed positions relative to end walls l15 and 16 by tightening of the bolts 51. If bolts 5.1 are loosened, then the slots 50 allow adjusting or shifting movement of each of the plates 47 circularly or arcuately relative to end walls -15 and 16 and about axis 12. Slots 50 may if desired extend directly arcuately about axis 12, to allow for this rotary adjusting movement; or the slots may be essentially straight as shown, but slightly larger than the diameter of the shanks of bolts 51 to allow sufficient looseness to permit the discussed rotary adjusting movement of plates 47.

Each of the plates 47 is rotatably shiftable between the locking position represented in FIG. 5 and the released position illustrated in FIG. 4. In this FIG. 4 position, plate-47 has openings 52 received axially opposite the various apertures 41, 41a and 41b of the associated end plate 1-5 or '16, these openings being of a size to allow easy axial withdrawal of the retaining pins 37 from within any of the apertures 41, 41a or 41h. In this same FIG. 4 position, the radially inner edge of each locking plate 47 has a series of circularly spaced arcuate notches 53 received at the locations of the different innermost apertures 41C of the corresponding end wall 15 or 16, and at locations such that any pins 37 received in those innermost apertures can be easily axially withdrawn therefrom, to free the bristle units retained thereby.

When plate 47 is rotatably shifted relative to end wall 15 or 16 and to the position represented in FIG. 5, al1 of the pins are effectively locked against axial removal `from their active positions within any of the apertures 41, 41a, 41h, or 41C. -For this purpose, the plate 47 has imperforate areas 54 (see FIG. I5), which are located circularly between openings SZ, and which are located axially opposite apertures 41, 41a, and =41b in the FIG. 5 position of plate 47. Also, in this position of the plate, the projections 55 formed at the inner peripheral edge of plate 47 circularly between the notches 53 are located axially opposite innermost apertures 41e, to lock any of the pins 37 within those apertures. The spacing of plate 47 from end plate 15 or 16 is just sufficient to allow reception of the heads 39 axially between plate 47 and end wall 15 or 1,6, as seen clearly in FIG. 3, with plate 47 engaging the outer or end surface 40 of the head 39 of pin 37. The radially outer edge of plate 47 may carry an enlarged annular bead 56, for increasing the rigidity and strength of plate 47.

To now describe the manner of use of the brush shown in the figures, assume rst that a completely new and unused set of bristle assemblies 21-22 are to be' used, and that the carrier strips 21 of these assemblies are already received and confined within their respective holders 23, axially between end walls 15 and 16. At the outset, holders 28 are mounted at their radially innermost positions, specifically the'position illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 3. In this condition, the pins 37 are received within innermost apertures 41a in the end plates` 15 and 16, and are retained in those positions by retention of plate 47 in the FIG. 5 position thereof. In this condition of the apparatus, the unused bristles are long enough to project out through the gaps at 46 (see FIG. 4), and to the location represented at 57 in FIG. 3. The broom is used in this condition, and with the bristles flexing about the edges 45 of the bristle passing gap, to give the bristles the desired stiffness characteristics. The operation of the brush eventually wears bristles 22 to a condition in which it becomes desirable to shift the bristles radially outwardly. In order to effect this shifting of the bristles, bolts 51 are iirst loosened, plates 47 are then shifted rotatably to the FIG. 4 position, and the pins 37 are withdrawn from apertures 41e and inserted i-nto apertures 41b. Holders 28 and their carried parts are moved radially outwardly so that tubes 35 may receive the pins after the pins have passed through apertures 41b. When the pins are all in position, locking plates 47 may be turned about axis 12 to the FIG. 5 position to lock all of the pins in place. This shifting of the bristles radially outwardly returns their outer extremities to the line represented at 57 in FIG. `3, so that the brush again has exactly the same sweeping characteristics as when the bristles were cornpletely new. After another period of use, the bristles may again be shifted radially outwardly to positions in which pins 37 are received in apertures 41a, and ultimately to the outermost positions in which pins 37 are received in apertures 41.

` After the bristles have been moved to their outermost positions (the full line position of FIG. 3), and have become worn in that position to an unusable condition, one of the end plates 47 is completely removed from the frame structure by removal of the six bolts 51, and the bristle assemblies consisting vof strips 21 and the carried bristles 22 are then slid axially outwardly from within their holders 28 and through the notches 43 in one of the end walls 15 or 16, until the strips 21 are completely removed from the brush assembly. Replacement bristle assemblies 21-22, having new, long bristles, are slid axially through notches 43 and into the guideways formed by holders 28, to the position represented in full lines in FIG. 3, following which the holders 28 may be shifted radially inwardly to the innermost position represented in broken lines in FIG. 3, and may be retained in their innermost positions by pins 37 and end plates 47. As the bristles again wear, the assemblies are again shifted progressively radially outwardly, and ultimately are replaced, etc. If for any reason it ever becomes necessary to remove one of the holders 2S itself, and the attached parts, then the associated bristle assembly 21-22 is rst removed from the holder 28, with the latter in its outermost position as shown in FIG. 3, and holder 28 is then moved radially inwardly to a location opposite one of the two relatively large apertures 58 formed in an inner portion of each of the end walls 1S and 16. These apertures are large enough to allow a workman to reach in through the apertures and manipulate one 0f the holders 23, and ultimately pull that holder outwardly from within the frame structure through one of the apertures 58.

We claim:

1. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure to be mounted for rotation about a predetermined axis, a plurality of bristle units to be mounted to the Iframe structure at circularly spaced locations, each of said units including a generally axially extending carrier strip, and a series of bristles carried by and projecting generally radially outwardly from said strip, a plurality of holders each adapted to receive and retain one of said carrier strips, said holders and the retained bristle units being shiftable radially relative to said frame structure between a plurality of different positions to compensate -for Wear of the bristles, and means for securing said holders and carried bristle acaazra units in said different positions, the individual holders forming guideways into and out of which said carrier strips of the associated bristle units are slidable generally axially to attach the bristle units to and detach them from the frame structure while the holders are retained by the frame structure against removal axially therefrom with the carrier strips.

2. A rotary brush as recited in claim l, in which said frame structure includes a pair of end walls disposed generally transversely of said axis, said holders and carrier strips being positioned axially between said two end walls, one of said end walls being shaped to pass one of the bristle units generally axially outwardly from the associated holder and axially past that end wall for detachment from the holder and frame structure while said holder remains between the end walls.

3. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure to be mounted for rotation about a predetermined axis, a plurality of bristle assemblies each including a generally axially extending carrier strip and a series of bristles carried thereby and projecting generally radially outwardly therefrom, and means for mounting said bristle assemblies to said frame structure and including means forming gnideways for receiving and retaining said carrier strips and into and out of which said strips are generally axially slidable, said carrier strips being of a generally U-shaped cross section to receive and retain said bristles and having two opposite side edge portions near the radially outer extremities of the strips turned laterally away from the bristles to form ilanges interengageable with said guideways in a relation retaining the strips against radial movement relative thereto, said strips tapering in `cross-section as they advance radially outwardly toward the location of said iianges, said guideways having two notches extending along opposite sides of the guideways and into which said flanges project.

4. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure to be mounted for rotation about a predetermined axis, said frame structure having two end walls extending essentially transversely of said axis, a plurality of bristle assemblies each including a generally axially extending carrier structure located axially between said end walls and a series of bristles carried by said carrier structure and projecting generally radially outwardly therefrom, said end Walls containing apertures, a plurality of retainingpins removably insertible axially through said apertures respectively and into interiitting engagement with said carrier structures ina relation retaining the latter and their carried bristles in xed positions, and a pair Vof 'locking plates mounted axially outwardly of said end walls respectively for rotary movement between locking and released positions, each of said plates in its locking position having portions received opposite said pins and blocking them against retracting movement, and each plate having a Series of openings which in the released position of the plate are located opposite said pins and allow axial retracting movement of the pins to positions freeing said carrier structures -for movement relative to the frame structure.

5. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure to be mounted for rotation about a predetermined axis, said frame structure having two end walls extending essentially transversely of said axis, a plurality of bristle assemblies each including a generally axially `extending carrier structure located axially between said end walls and a series of bristles carried by said carrier structure and projecting generally radially outwardly therefrom, said end walls containing apertures, a plurality of retaining pins removably insertible axially through said apertures respectively and into intertting engagement with said carrier structures in a relation retaining the latter and their carried bristles Yin fixed positions, and a pair of locking plates mounted axially outwardly of said end walls respectively for rotary movement between locking ,and released positions, each of said plates in its locking position having portions received opposite said pins and blocking them against retracting movement, and each plate having a series of openings which, in the released position of the plate, are located opposite said pins and allow axial retracting movement of the pins to positions freeing said carrier structures for movement relative to the frame structure, there being several ditferent sets of said apertures in said end walls at radially spaced locations for mounting said carrier structures at as many different radially offset positions to compensate for bristle wear.

6. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure to be mounted for rotation about a predetermined axis, said frame structure having two end Walls extending essentially transversely of said axis, a plurality of bristle assemblies each including a generally axially extending carrier structure located axially between said end walls and a series of bristles carried by said carrier structure and projecting generally radially outwardly therefrom, said end walls containing apertures, a plurality of retaining pins removably insertible axially through said apertures respectively and into interiitting engagement with said carrier structures in `a relation retaining the latter and their carried bristles in fixed positions, and a pair of locking plates mounted axially outwardly of said end walls respectively for rotary movement between locking and released positions, each of said plates in its locking position having portions received opposite said pins and blocking them against retracting movement, and each plate having a series of openings which, in the released position of the plate, are located opposite said pins and allow axial retracting movement of the pins to positions freeing said carrier structures for movement relative to the frame structure, there being several different sets of said apertures in said end walls at radially spaced locations for mounting said carrier structures at as many different radially offset positions to compensate for bristle wear, each of said carrier structures including a retaining strip attached to the inner ends of said bristles, and a holder extending generally axially between said end walls and forming a guideway for receiving and retaining said strip and into and out of which the strip is movable generally axially.

7. A rotary brush as recited in claim 6, in which one of said end `walls is cut away at locations to pass said strips and the carried bristles generally axially outwardly from said holders and thro gh the end wall for replacement.

8. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure adapted to be mounted .for rotation about a predetermined axis, a plurality of bristle `assemblies to be mounted to the frame structure at circularly spaced locations, each of said assemblies including a generally axially extending carrier and a series of bristles carried thereby and projecting generally radially outwardly therefrom, said assemblies being shiftable generally radially of the frame structure between a plurality of different positions to compensate for wear of the bristles, means Vfor securing said assemblies in different ones of said positions, means carried by said frame structure and forming restricted passages through which said bristles project generally radially outwardly but too small to allow movement of said assemblies in their entireties outwardly therethrough, said carriers and retained bristles being withdrawable generally axially from the frame structure for replacement, said frame structure including means located near the ends of said carriers and constructed and positioned to block generally axial withdrawal of said Ycarriers in predetermined radially inner positions of the carriers but to pass said carriers generally axially from the frame structure, for replacement, when the carriers are Vshifted outwardly to predetermined bristle removal positions which are radially outwardly of said inner positions but are radially inwardly of said restricted passages.

9. A rotary brush as recited in claim 8, in which said last mentionedmeans include two end walls of said frame structure extending generally radially at opposite ends of said carriers and cut away at locations opposite said bristle removal positions of the carriers to pass the carriers therethrough.

l0. A rotary brush as recited in claim 8, in which said means for securing said assemblies in dilerent positions include a plurality of retaining 'elements movable generally axially of said frame structure between active and released positions and operable in said active positions to retain the carrier against generally radial shifting movement.

ll. A rotary brush as recited in claim 8, in which said means for securing said assamblies in different positions include a plurality of retaining elements movable generally axially of said frame structure between active and released positions and operable in said active positions to retain the carrier against generally radial shifting movement, and a locking part movable into and out of a locking position in the path of axial releasing movement of a plurality of said elements to block said releasing movement and thereby lock t the elements in `active positions.

l2. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure adapted to be mounted for rotation about a predetermined axis, a plurality of bristle units to be mounted to the framestructure at circularly spaced locations, each of said units including a generally axially extending carrier and a series of bristles carried thereby and projecting generally radially outwardly therefor-m, a plurality of holders each adapted to receive and retain one of said carriers, said holders and the retained bristle units being shiftable generally radially `relative to said frame structure between a plurality of dierent positions to compensate for wear of the bristles, means -for securing said holders and `carried bristle units in different ones 4of said position-s, means carried by said frame structure forming restricted .passages through which `said bristles project generally radially outwardly but too small to allow movement of said holders outwardly therethrough, the individual holders forming gdiideways into and out of which said carriers of the associated bristle units are slidable generally axially, said frame structure including means located at the ends of said holders and constructed and positioned to block generally axial Withdrawal of said carriers from said holders in predetermined radially inner positions of the holders but to pass said carriers and retained bristles generally axially `from the holders, for replacement, when the holders are shifted outwardly to predetermined `bristle removal positions which are radially outwardly of said inner positions but are radially inwardly of said restricted passages.

13. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure adapted to be mounted for rotation about a predetermined axis, .a plurality of bristle Iunits to be mounted to the frame structure at circularly spaced locations, each of said units including a generally axially extending carrier and a series of bristles carried thereby and projecting generally radially outwardly thereform, a plurality of holders each adapted to receive 'and retain one of said carriers, said holders 4and the retained bristle nuits being shiftable generally radially relative to said lframe structure between -a plurality of different positions to compensate for wear of the bristles, means for securing said holders and carried bristle units in different ones of said positions, means carried by said frame structure forming passages through which said bristles project generally radially outwardly but too small to allow movement of said holders outwardly therethrough, the individual holders forming guideways into and out of which said carriers of the lassociated bristle units are slidable generally axially, said frame structure including two end walls of said frame structure at opposite ends of `said holders constructed and positioned to block generally axial withdrawal of said carriers from said holders in predetermined radially inner positions of the holders, at least one of said end walls being cut away to pass said carriers 10 and retained bristles generally axially from the holders for replacement when the holders are shifted outwardly to predetermined bristle removal positions which are radially outwardly of said inner positions but are radially inwardly of said restricted passages.

14.A rotary brush as recited 4in claim 13, in which said means for securing said holders in different positions include a plurality of retaining elements removably insertible generally axially through apertures in said end walls and tinto intertting engagement with said holders in a relation restraining movement thereof, and a pair of locking plates mounted axially outwardly of said end walls respectively for rotary movement between locking and released positions, each of said plates in its locking position having portions received opposite said retaining elements and blocking them against retracting movement, and each plate having a series of openings which, in the released position of the plate, -are located opposite said retaining elements and allow axial retracting movement thereof to their released positions.

l5. A rotary brush comprising a frame struct-ure adapted to be mounted for rotation about a predetermined axis and having two axially spaced generally radially ex- Itending end walls, a plurality of bristle assemblies each including :a generally :axially `extending carrier structure and a series of bristles carried thereby and projecting lgenerally radially outwardly therefrom, outer bristle conlining members carried by the frame structure between the locations of said end walls and forming passages through which said bristles extend `generally radially outwardly, said passages being too restricted to allow removal of said carrier structures radially outwardly therethrough, said assemblies being shiftable `generally radially between different positions to compensate for bristle wear, and means for securing said assemblies in diiferent ones of said positions, at least a por-tion of each carrier structure and the carried bristles being detachable from the frame structure by movement generally axially relative thereto past one of said end walls while said bristle confining members remain attached to the frame struc-ture, said one end wall being shaped -to pass said portion of the carrier structure during such detachment.

16. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure adapted to be mounted for rotation about a predetermined axis, a plurality of bristle l11n-its to be mounted to the frame struct-ure at circularly spaced locations, each of said units including a generallSl axially extending carrier and a series of bristles carried thereby and projecting generally radially outwardly therefrom, a plurality of holders each adapted to receive and retain one of said carriers, said holders and the retained bristle units being shiftable generally radially relative to said frame structure between a plurality of different positions to compensate for wear of the bristles, means for securing said holders and carried bristle units in different ones of said positions, means carried by said frame structure forming restricted passages through which s-aid bristles project generally radially outwardly but too small to allow movement of said holders outwardly therethrough, the individual holders forming guideways into and out of which said carriers of the associated bristle units are slidable generally axially, said frame structure and all other parts of said brush being constructed to pass said carriers generally axially into and out of said guideways in the holders while the holders lare in positions radially inwardly of said restricted passages, and a plurality of retaining elements intertting with said holders in a relation holding the latter `against :generally radial shifting movement between said different positions thereof, said retaining elements being movable generally axially of the frame structure between active holding positions and released positions in which the associated bristle assemblies are free for generally radial shifting movement.

17. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure adapted to be mounted for rota-tion about a predetermined axis, a plurality of bristle assemblies to be mounted to the frame structure at locations spaced circular-ly about said axis, each of said assemblies including a generally axially extending carrier structure and a series'of bristles carried by Iand projecting generally radially outwardly from said carrier structure, said Carrier structures and retained bristles being shiftable radially of said frame structure between a plurality of different radially adjusted positions Vto eompensate for wear ofn the bristles, a plurality tof retaining elements movable ygenerally parallel 'to said axis between active and released positions while said frame structure and carrier structures remain in fixed positions, said elements, in said active positions, interitting with said frame structure and said carrier structures in a relation retaining lthe carrier structures against shifting movement between said different radially adjusted positions thereof, said carrier Istructures being free for radial shifting movement when said elements are in said released positions, a locking part rotatably shiftable relative to said frame structure and relative to said elements between an active locking position in -the path of axial releasing movement of a plurality of said elements, to thereby block such releasing movement and lock the elements :in active positions, and a retracted position out of said path, in which said elements are freed for releasing movement, and means mounting said locking part Ito the frame lstructure -for said rotary adjusting movement.

18. A rotary brush comprising a frame structure adapted to b e mounted for rotation about a predetermined axis and having two spaced end walls, a plurality of bristle assemblies to be mounted to the frame struisture at locations spaced circularly about said axis and axially between said walls, each of said assemblies including a `generally axially extending carrier structure and a series of bristles carriedby and projecting generally radially outwardly from said earrier structure, said carrier structures and retained bristles being shiftable radially of said framestruoture between a plurality of diierent radially adjusted positions to compensate f0r vwear of the bristles,a plurality' of retaining elements insertible generally axially Ithrough apertures -in said end walls and into registering'sockets in said carrier structures and movable generally parallel to said axis between active and released positions while said frame structure and carrier structure remain `in iixed positions, said elements, in said active positions, interltting with said frame structure and said carrier structures in' a relation retaining the carrier structures against shifting movement between said diierent radially adjusted positions thereof, said `carrier structures being free for radial shifting movement when said elements are in said released positions, rotatably shiftable apertured locking plates axially beyond said end walls operable to rotate into and out of the path of releasing movement of said elementsand to 'thereby releasably lock said retaining elements in their active positions, and means mountingsaid plates -to said end walls for said rotary shifting movement.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,303,859 Panzer Dec. 1, 1942 2,450,679 May Oct. 5, 1948 2,696,625 Pendleton Dec. 14, 1954 2,897,527 Jones ;--.L Aug. 4, 1959 2,978,725 Whitman Apr. 11, 1961 3,010,132 Jones Nov. 28, 1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 13,578 Great Britain July 3, 1901 629,746 France Nov. 16, 1927 815,967 Germany Oct. 8, 1951 1,060,128 France Nov. 18, 1953 

3. A ROTARY BRUSH COMPRISING A FRAME STRUCTURE TO BE MOUNTED FOR ROTATION ABOUT A PREDETERMINED AXIS, A PLURALITY OF BRISTLE ASSEMBLIES EACH INCLUDING A GENERALLY AXIALLY EXTENDING CARRIER STRIP AND A SERIES OF BRISTLES CARRIED THEREBY AND PROJECTING GENERALLY RADIALLY OUTWARDLY THEREFROM, AND MEANS FOR MOUNTING SAID BRISTLE ASSEMBLIES TO SAID FRAME STRUCTURE AND INCLUDING MEANS FORMING GUIDEWAYS FOR RECEIVING AND RETAINING SAID CARRIER STRIPS AND INTO AND OUT OF WHICH SAID STRIPS ARE GENERALLY AXIALLY SLIDABLE, SAID CARRIER STRIPS BEING OF A GENERALLY U-SHAPED CROSS SECTION TO RECEIVE AND RETAIN SAID BRISTLES AND HAVING 